Article for removing stains



Patented Dec. 11, 1923.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ARTICLE FOR REMOVING STAINS.

No Drawing. Application filed December 9, 1920, Serial No. 429,354. Renewed May 31, 1923.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, CATHERINE M. HEMEN, a citizen of the United States of America, residing at 'Was'hington, District of Columbia, have invented certain new and use ful Improvements in Articles for Removing Stains, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an improved compound for the removal of stains and the like from. fabrics.

An essential ingredient of the compound making up the tain remover is oxalic acid. The properties of this acid as a stain remover are well known and its use in the present compound is to take advantage of its well known properties in this respect. However this acid is incapable of general use for removing stains or the like from fabrics, in that it will likely destroy the fabric or at least bleach the color therefrom. The important feature of the present invention is to combine with the oxalic acid a material which will act as a carrier for the acid to permit the compound to be moulded into convenient form for handling, but, of more importance will also act to prevent the injurious eifects of the acid on the fabric fibers or as a bleaching agent. The material which has been found admirably adapted to this end is paraffin, and in carrying out the specific process, the parafiin and oxalic acid are mixed in the proportions of three parts of parafiin to one part of acid, and the acid is Worked into the par-afiin while the latter is warm and therefore plastic.

Owing to the rapid setting of the parafiin,

it can be readily and conveniently moulded into various shapes, and for the purpose of the present invention it is contem lated that after the acid has been worke into the parafiin the compound in setting will be moulded into a convenient stick form, preferably of candle like proportions.

In order to secure the best results in the use of the com ound for the removal of stains and the llke from fabrics, a particular manner of use is to be carried out.

For example, the fabric having a stain is Wet throughout the stain area with clear water and then applied over the outlet of a steam generating vessel, as an ordinary kettle, so that the steam passes through the stained portion of the fabric. The compound, preferably in the stick form described, is then lightly ltouohed to or brushed over the stain portion, which acts to melt a certain part of the paraflin and release the acid carried thereby for its usual effect in removing the stain from'the fabric. Immediately following the application of the stain remover, the article is withdrawn from the steam generator with the result that the paraflin which of course is deposited lightly on the surface of the fabric and more or less in the interstices of the same, immediately hardens'. This seals the fabric throughout the area treated preventing further deleterious effect of the oxalic acid on the fabric.

Of course if the stain is not completely removed at the first application, it may be re-treated in an exactly similar manner for a more complete removal of the stain.

The characteristic feature of the invention therefore is the combining with the oxalic acid of an ingredient which acts not only as a carrier for the acid, but will rapidly congeal in use to prevent the usual destructive or bleaching effect of the oxalic acid beyond that necessary to reach through the color producing the stain.

This carrier material is also of a character which readily lends itself to moulding into a convenient form for the application of the stain remover, and this also constitutes a part of the present invention.

Claims:

1. A stain remover comprising oxalic acid and a carrier therefor of parafiin.

2. A stain remover comprising oxalic acid and a carrier therefor of paraffin, in the proportions of three parts of paraffin and one part of acid.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

CATHERINE M. HEMEN. 

